On 15 January 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution sponsored a commemoration of the Battle of Cowpens at Mt Hebron Cemetery, Winchester. The battle was fought on 17 Jan 1781 near the town of Cowpens, South Carolina in Cherokee County. BG Daniel Morgan led an army of tough Continentals and backwoods militia to victory over LTC Banastre Tarleton’s battle-hardened force of British regulars.

In the lead-up to the battle, the British under Lord Cornwallis were in the process of a successful southern campaign in an attempt to defeat colonial forces during the American Revolutionary War. The British had captured Savannah, Charleston, and Camden, South Carolina in their efforts to regain control of governments in the southern colonies. Nathanael Greene was given command of the American Forces in the south with the idea of rebuilding the tattered army and slowing the British war effort.

Two weeks after taking command, he split his army, sending General Daniel Morgan to cut supply lines and hamper British operations in the remote, undeveloped areas of the south. Banastre Tarleton was sent to stop Morgan.

On 12 January, Morgan’s Army was found on the Pacolet River in South Carolina. Tarleton began an aggressive pursuit and despite the rain and flooded rivers, gained ground. Morgan retreated to burr’s Mill on Thicketty Creek. He decided to make his stand with the flood-swollen Broad River to his back on a field used for cattle grazing that was some 500 yards long and just as wide. At dawn on 17 January, it was clear and bitterly cold. Tarleton had roused his troops to move on Morgan at 2 a.m. in the morning, looking to catch the colonists in the early hours of the day.

When Morgan’s scouts brought news of Tarleton’s approach, he moved among his men shouting, “Boys, get up! Benny’s coming!” Tarleton formed his Army on the Green River Road for an attack. He was confident of victory as Morgan was hemmed in by the Broad River and the park-like terrain was an ideal battlefield for his dragoons. He had Morgan right where he wanted him. He attacked head-on, with a line extending across the meadow, artillery in the middle, and fifty Dragoons on each side.

To counter this, Morgan organized his troops into three lines. In front, hiding behind trees were selected sharpshooters. At the onset of the battle, they picked off attackers, sending the Dragoons into a retreat. With this, they moved back 150 yards to join a second line made up of militia commanded by Andrew Pickens. As they moved back, the British reformed and charged again. Morgan’s men fired two volleys and retreated to a third line.

At this point, Tarleton’s Army believed the colonists were in full retreat and they charged in time for William Washington’s patriot cavalry to come into the battle from the flank. This put the crown’s troops in disarray.

Again the British officers rallied their troops with the reserve force sent in to turn the tide of battle to the royal forces. During the noise and confusion of battle, a colonial command to the continental forces was misunderstood for retreat. The British sensing victory charged hard after the Americans. Morgan rallied his troops and had them face about and fire in unison into the charging ranks. Added to this was a fierce Patriot bayonet charge, which turned the tide of battle.

Reformed colonial militia and cavalry entered the battle, leading to a double envelopment of the enemy. The British began surrendering en masse. The battle was over in less than an hour in a complete victory for the American forces. Tarleton and some of his men escaped and returned to Lord Cornwallis’ army with news of the shocking defeat. British losses were 110 dead, over 200 wounded and 500 captured. Morgan lost 12 killed and 60 wounded. This battle was the turning point of the war in the south which led up to the patriot victory at Yorktown and ultimately an end to the war.

Color Guard Commander Marc Robinson (photo courtesy of Anita Bonner)

The ceremony was emcee’d by chapter Vice President Thomas “Chip” Daniel. Attending to present greetings were Virginia Society 2nd Vice President Ernie Coggins and Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution President Sara Cox.

Chaplain duties were led by Rt Rev Larry Johnson and Rev Jim Simmons. Marc Robinson commanded a color guard consisting of Ken Bonner, Sean Carrigan, Forrest Crain, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, David Huxsoll, Dennis Parmerter, Nathan Poe, Eric Robinson, and Bill Schwetke.

Wreaths were presented by 2nd Vice President Coggins; President Cox; Marc Robinson, Colonel James Wood II Chapter; Bill Schwetke, Culpeper Minutemen; David Husxoll, Fairfax Resolves; Paul Cox, Colonel Fielding Lewis; Anita Bonner, Lanes Mill, Daughters of the American Revolution and Anna Cox, Colonel Alexander Spotswood Society, Children of the American Revolution.

Dale Corey gave a presentation on the battle and a musket salute was fired to commemorate the patriots who fought at Cowpens. After the ceremony, prayers were conducted at Daniel Morgan’s gravesite by Rt Rev Johnson and Rev Simmons to honor the participants of the battle.

Musket Squad firing salute l. to r. Marc Robinson, Bill Schwetke, Clay Robinson, Forrest Crain, Dennis Parmerter, Kelly Ford, Ken Bonner, Sean Carrigan, and Doug Hall (photo courtesy of Scott Straub

Daniel Morgan’s gravesite l. to r. Kelly Ford, Rt Rev Larry Johnson and Rev Jim Simmons (photo courtesy of Scott Straub)

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On January 15, 2022, the third Polar Plunge event rang in a brand-new year at the Humane Society! Reigning champion from 2020 and 2021, Molly Llewellyn raised $1,000 for the shelter. Special thanks to all the sponsors of this event:

• City National Bank
• Cool Techs Heating & Air
• AirPac
• State Farm Aders Insurance
• Cavalier Kennels
• Warren County Vet Clinic
• Apple House
• Laura Gomez, Realtor

Polar Plunge happened at the Front Royal 4H center, at Lake Culpeper. The water was cold, a little under 40 degrees, which watch actually warming than the air temperature.

Thanks to the local band, Rough Draught for providing musical entertainment.

When you see the camera jump around, that is the spot where we almost lost our cameraman, Mark Williams, taking a stumble, luckily not into the lake.

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The Pets for Life program at the Winchester SPCA invites you to purchase a light on behalf of your pet, and help us Light a Path to end pet homelessness.

• $10 donation for one light
• $50 donation for 10 lights
• $100 donation for 20 lights

The lights will be illuminated February 7, 2022, in a lighting ceremony, from 6pm-8pm, at the SPCA Adoption Center.

For more information, call 540-662-8616.

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This year I would like to add community news to the Warren County Market Reports every month. We have several upcoming events to put on your calendar!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Front Royal Women’s Resource Center

• Women’s Wellness Workshop – February 5 from 9am to 1pm | Virtual
  • Visit this link to register: frontroyalwomenswellness.com
  • YOU MUST RSVP to receive the Zoom Link
  • Presented by Front Royal Women’s Resource Center & The Phoenix Project
  • Sponsored by Valley Health and Friends of Samuels Library.
  • Virtual event jampacked with amazing presenters/workshops from 21st Century Investing to Movement, Creativity, Nutrition and so much more. Goodie bags with information, tools and of course goodies for the first 50 who sign up.

House of Hope

• Empty Bowl Supper
  • date to be determined soon!

Humane Society of Warren County

• Polar Plunge – January 15 at 11am | 4H Center Lake
  • Interested in sponsoring a plunger? Please help our local animal shelter care for all of our animals needing a forever home. Visit this site for all details: hswcevents.org/polar-plunge

Rotary Club of Warren County

• Ride With Rotary – April 5 starting around 9am with staggered start times | Rockland Park
  • New fundraiser brought to you by the Rotary Club of Warren County. Beneficiaries for the ride are Reaching Out Now and Cars Changing Lives. 4 ride routes, all ages and all riding experience levels.
  • Event link: https://fb.me/e/1ngbJweEg
  • Registration will begin early February.
  • Sponsorships are needed. Contact Ellen Aders for more information on sponsorship levels. Great way to get a little exposure for your company!

Logan Maiatico Foundation

• Alfredo Birthday Dinner Fundraiser – January 29 from 5:30-8:30 | Front Royal Volunteer Fire Hall
  • The Logan Maiatico Foundation has been established to continue the legacy of Logan Maiatico, Logan was loved by all of his friends, family and community and was known for spreading love to everyone he interacted with.
  • Enjoy alfredo birthday dinner, Logan’s favorite meal! Ten dollars per person paid at the door. All proceeds will go to the Logan Maiatico Foundation in memory of Logan. Interested in swag? Visit: thestitchesandbows.com/live-like-logan

Warren Coalition

• We See You, Warren County – sign up (free) online to join this “movement” to help bring our community together. Follow on Facebook! You are going to love it! #WeCUWC
  • Facebook page: facebook.com/wecuwc
  • Sign up: warrencoalition.org/wecuwc

REAL ESTATE

Warren County Market Report for December 2021 with Jen Avery, REALTOR

Watch this video for a quick summary of Warren County real estate for December 2021. We are back in the green. Numbers have climbed during December. Charts demonstrate the changes in the market, so be sure to click play!

In general summary:

1. New Listings are UP 17.8%.
2. New Pending UP 1.9%.
3. Closed sales are UP 12.9%
4. Average Median Sold $333,450
5. Average Days on Market 31

*If you would like a copy of this report emailed to you, please send request to jenaveryrealtor@gmail.com.

Resource: December 2021 Market Stats by ShowingTime
Bright MLS: Statistics calculated January 2022.

Jennifer Avery, REALTOR® “Your Happy Home Expert!”
BPOR, SRS, CNE, E-Pro Certified | Licensed in VA
jenaveryrealtor@gmail.com | 540-683-0790
CRUM REALTY, INC | 318 S Loudoun St, Winchester VA 22601 | 540-662-0400

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Samuels Public Library is proud to announce the winners of the 43rd annual Holiday Writing Contest:

Kindergarten:

• Danny Maciag, First Place, Homeschool
• Nora Lo, Second Place, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
• Annabelle Baldwin, Third Place, Homeschool

First Grade:

• Teddy Gunn, First Place, John XXII Montessori Center
• Benjamin Fletcher, Second Place, Wakefield Country Day School
• Marley Found, Third Place, Wakefield Country Day School

Second Grade:

• Joey Maciag, First Place, Homeschool
• Naomi Winter, Second Place, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
• Beatrice Hoffman, Third Place, Wakefield Country Day School

Third Grade:

• Lydia Wunsch, First Place, Homeschool
• Charlotte Hightower, Second Place, Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary
• Claire Catron, Third Place, Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary

Fourth Grade:

• Mia Maciag, First Place, Homeschool
• Eliza M. Cobb, Second Place, Wakefield Country Day School
• Gabriel Edwards, Third Place, Dominion Ridge Academy

Fifth Grade:

• Mary G. Lane, First Place, St Annes Cottage School
• Frankie McCarthy, Second Place, Chelsea Academy
• Alise Maurer, Third Place, Chelsea Academy

Sixth Grade:

• Brennan Oldfield, First Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Ella Sauvager, Second Place, Randolph Macon Academy
• Seraphina Bise, Third Place, Homeschool

Seventh Grade: 

• David Otyenah, First Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Madelyn Sneed, Second Place, Wakefield Country Day School
• Leo McMahon, Third Place, Wakefield Country Day School

Eighth Grade:

• Monica Farinholt, First Place, John Paul the Great
• Irene Schwartz, Second Place, St. Edith Stein
• Sarah Tutton, Third Place, Dominion Ridge Academy

Ninth Grade:

• Raven Milenkevich, First Place, Homeschool
• George Beasley, Second Place, Chelsea Academy

Tenth Grade:

• RJ Johnson, First Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Kendra Thompson, Second Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Mason Smedley, Third Place, Dominion Ridge Academy

Eleventh Grade:

• Autumn Hovest, First Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Taylor Knapp, Second Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Amanda Genari, Third Place, Warren County High School

Twelfth Grade:

• Taryn Henry, First Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Maya Tutton, Second Place, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Jo DuVall, Third Place, Dominion Ridge Academy

Artwork Winners:

• Abigail Garris, Fifth Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
• Abby Rizzo, Fifth Grade, A.S. Rhodes
• Daniel Winter, Fifth Grade, Mountain Laurel Montessori School
• Felicity Murray, Ninth Grade, Homeschool
• Allison Baldwin, Seventh Grade, Homeschool
• Sage Milenkevich, Fourth Grade, Homeschool
• Marie E. Funk, Fifth Grade, Dominion Ridge Academy
• Davis Conway-Dixon, First Grade, Wakefield Country Day School

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Are you looking for the full movie-going experience without having to wait in the long lines that often accompany that experience? Then look no further because Royal Cinemas movie theatre is the answer. Get the whole gang together and enjoy a movie! Reserved seating in all auditoriums.

Here is a list of this week’s showtimes at Royal Cinemas as of Friday, January 14:

• Friday: 6:05 & 8:45
• Sat & Sun: 12:50, 3:25, 6:05 & 8:35
• Mon – Thurs: 7:15
Rated PG  |  1 Hour 50 Minutes

• Friday: 7:30
• Sat & Sun: 1:10, 4:20 & 7:30
• Mon – Thurs: 7:00
Rated PG-13  |  2 Hour 28 Minutes

• Friday: 6:00 & 8:40
• Sat & Sun: 12:45, 3:20, 6:00 & 8:40
• Mon – Thurs: 7:20
Rated R  |  1 Hour 54 Minutes

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult: $10
• Child (under 12): $7
• Military: $8
• Student (college): $8
• Senior: $8
• Matinees, All Seating: $7

COMING SOON:

• “Morbius”
• “Moonfall”
• “Marry Me”
• “Uncharted”
• “Dog”

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